Drug
Rivaroxaban
Pronounced
"RIV-a-ROX-a-ban"
Uses
Rivaroxaban suspension is used to treat blood clots (such as in deep vein thrombosis-DVT or pulmonary embolus-PE) and to prevent the blood clots from forming again. It may also be used to prevent blood clots from forming after a certain heart surgery (Fontan procedure).
Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant that works by blocking certain clotting proteins in your blood.
Warning
Do not stop taking rivaroxaban unless directed by your doctor. If you stop taking this medication early, you have a higher risk of forming a serious blood clot (such as a stroke, blood clot in the legs/lungs). Your doctor may direct you to take a different "blood thinning" or antiplatelet medication to reduce your risk. Get medical help right away if you have weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, or pain/warmth/swelling in the legs.
People taking this medication may bleed near the spinal cord after certain spinal procedures. Bleeding in this area can cause paralysis that lasts a long time or could become permanent. Before any spinal procedure, ask your doctor about the benefits and risks. The risk of bleeding may be higher if you have a deformed spine, or have had spinal procedures/surgery before (such as epidural catheter placement, difficult epidural/spinal puncture), or are taking other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as warfarin/enoxaparin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs such as ibuprofen). Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as back pain, leg numbness/tingling/weakness, loss of control of the bowels or bladder (incontinence).
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using rivaroxaban suspension and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Some brands of this medication are prepared by a health care professional, while other brands may give you instructions for how to prepare the suspension before use. Carefully read and follow the manufacturer's directions for your brand of rivaroxaban suspension.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times a day. Follow your doctor's directions for taking this medication with or without food. If your brand of medication is stored in the refrigerator, allow the suspension to come to room temperature before giving each dose. Do not warm up this medication any other way such as by heating in the microwave or placing the bottle in hot water. Shake the bottle well for at least 10 seconds before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. After each dose, drink/give some liquid to make sure all of the dose is taken.
If you or the child spits up or vomits less than 30 minutes after taking the dose, take or give another dose. If this happens more than 30 minutes after the dose, do not take or give a new dose. Take/give the next dose at the usual time.
If you are giving this medication through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube), ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to properly mix and give it.
Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or stop taking it unless you are told to do so by your doctor.
The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.